Library Assistant

A living library for now, for the future, for all of us

Library Assistant x 2

State Library of New South Wales

Public Library Services | Multicultural Services team

Library Assistant, Full-Time Ongoing opportunity

Library Assistant, Full-Time Temporary till 30 October 2026 opportunity

• Two unique opportunities to start your career in one of NSW's leading cultural institutions
• Competitive remuneration package up to $84,364 p.a. (package includes salary between $59,232 - $74,428 p.a., plus employer’s contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading)

About the State Library

The State Library of New South Wales is one of Australia's oldest and most important public institutions. The Library preserves and presents the history of our State and our Nation for the benefit of all, offering essential services, extraordinary collections and magical experiences. Its rich collections, both physical and digital, alongside partnerships with the public library network across NSW and other vibrant collaborations enable Australians to examine their past and imagine their future.

About the Opportunity  

As a Library Assistant you will support the Public Library Services branch by selecting, retrieving, circulating, packing, mailing and physically organising library materials in a high volume, team environment to support the multicultural bulk loans service for NSW public libraries.

The Multicultural bulk loan service provides access to collections of books in over 40 community languages and English as a Second Language (ESL) resources.

This role is ideal for an applicant seeking to commence their career whilst undertaking a relevant field of study or having recently completed their qualification.

The Ideal Candidate 

We are looking for two professionals who are interested in starting their career at the Library. To be successful in this role you will have: 

• Qualifications and experience that meets the minimum standard of skill and knowledge inherent in the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) standard or desire to attain 
• Sound numeracy, literacy and accuracy knowledge 
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work in a high-volume work environment
• Physically able to push, lift, retrieve and re-shelve library material
• Familiarity and confidence when applying technology
• Ability to work as a team and independently

What we offer

The State Library of NSW is a great place to work. We are a purpose-driven organisation, and you would be working with colleagues who are collaborative, knowledgeable, and like-minded. 

Working at the Library gives you access to a range of benefits including:

• Flexible working arrangements
• A range of wellbeing events, lunchtime groups and initiatives like discounted gym programs, annual flu vaccinations and access to an employee assistance program
• Professional development opportunities including time off for study
• Staff discounts at the Library café and bookshop
• Staff engagement activities

How to apply

To apply for this role please provide a response to the following questions. Attach your answers as part of your application in the text boxes provided. Please keep question responses to a maximum of 3 paragraphs and please respond to the shortlisting questions in your own words - we’re looking to understand your perspective, not answers generated by AI tools.

1. This role requires handling of a large volume of library material within a dedicated timeframe. Can you describe a time when you had to manage competing tasks in a physically demanding environment? How did you prioritise your work, and what challenges did you experience?
2. This position will require you to provide high quality service to NSW Public Libraries and multicultural communities. Please provide examples of your experience in customer service and/or working with multilingual communities.

Please ensure you attach an up-to-date copy of your CV as part of your application for the role.

The State Library of NSW welcomes and encourages applications from people with diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, LGBTQI+, people with disability, people with caring responsibilities, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, veterans and workers of all ages. 

Candidates can request a reasonable adjustment throughout each step of the recruitment process by noting this in your application or contacting the People and Culture Team via

Talent Pool

Applicants not initially offered a role but have been assessed through the recruitment process as being suitable will be placed in the Talent Pool to fill future ongoing and temporary vacancies as they arise. Placement in the Talent Pool remains valid for 18 months. 

Eligibility to apply

To be eligible to apply for this role you must be either:

• an Australian citizen or
• a permanent resident of Australia, or
• a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand passport
• or a citizen of another country with an appropriate visa that allows you to work in Australia for the period of temporary employment or if you are seeking ongoing employment, you must hold a permanent visa that allows you to work in Australia.

Appointment to this role is subject to Pre-employment Checks. Additional checks may be required throughout your tenure at the Library should the accountabilities of your role change.  

Further information that may assist you with applying for this role

Role Description (pdf)
Role Description (word)
Applying for a role in the NSW Public Service NSW Public Sector Capability Framework State Library Accessibility Guide

The  Guide for applying for roles at the State Library of NSW  will assist you in completing your application and provide you with an understanding of the selection process.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact Joanna Goh on  

Closing date for applications: 11th May 2026 at 10am.